Leslie did not see Morton's meaning, and took the words literally, as the latter intended he should.
"What, have you an archery club at college?"
"No; but there are one or two among us who use the long bow, now and then, and Vinal beats them by all odds. But he is very modest on the subject, and never alludes to it. In fact, there are very few who know his skill in that way."
"It is all the better for his health to have some amusement of the kind."
"Yes, it would be a pity if his health should suffer."
"I have often thought that his mind was too active for his constitution."
Morton cast another sidelong look at Leslie. Though he admired the daughter, he refrained with difficulty from quizzing the father.
"You seem to know Vinal very well."
"Yes, thoroughly; I have known him from childhood; he is the son of my wife's sister, and I am his guardian. I watch his progress with great interest."
"You will see him, I dare say, reach the top of the ladder. At least, it will be no fault of his if he does not."